By Joseph Pedrajas
Valenzuela City is taking steps to extend further assistance to tricycle drivers who have lost a source of income due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis through launching an online delivery service program that will allow them earn a living.
Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian (Rex Gatchalian official Facebook page / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
According to the local government, the "PasaBVY Valenzuela City TODA" program will give tricycle drivers a source of income by offering residents a paid online delivery service. This came after the city inked on Friday, May 29, a partnership with delivery and transport services JoyRide and Happy Move, which will let the city use their online platforms.
Through their applications, Valenzuela residents can order market goods, grocery items or medicines online, which will then be bought and delivered by accredited drivers. The local government said that they will provide funds to the drivers to be able to buy the orders, so the latter will not have to shell out their own money.
The delivery fee of every transaction will serve as the driver’s income, it added. “Malaking tulong talaga… Para hindi na rin kami pasanin ni Mayor. Itong nakakabyahe kami ng MECQ malaking bagay talaga, kumbaga ingat lang talaga ,” said Gen. T. De Leon-Ugong (GTU) TODA President Luis Jugueta.
Mayor Rex Gatchalian said that the program gives "an additional means of income for the drivers" as well as "help stores who now have limited operations."
“What is important now is that we can find ways to help our drivers and offer a new alternative on how we can help them transition into the new normal,” he added.